But that assumes that CU Boulder gives no merit aid and the student would qualify for no financial aid. A quick look at CU’s web site shows that they do offer merit scholarships, I am sure they must offer financial aid, and it looks like there is a path for in-state tuition exception for OOS residents (dont know how, I just know it invalidates you for one of the scholarships). So, point being no school should be eliminated out of hand because it is a little or a lot out of the price range, if there is a realistic possibility of scholarships and aid.